Shehla Raza exposes ‘mafia’ in Pakistan hockey;
levels serious corruption charges against PHF leadership
Shehla Raza exposes ‘mafia’ in Pakistan hockey;
levels serious corruption charges against PHF leadership
By Nawaz Gohar ; The internal crisis within Pakistan Hockey has deepened as former Vice President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Shehla Raza, leveled explosive allegations of systemic corruption and administrative incompetence against the federation’s top brass.
In a candid press briefing, Shehla clarified that she is not seeking any administrative post for herself but remains committed to the sport’s reform. She stated that should the Prime Minister request her counsel, she would recommend only highly competent and untainted professionals to lead the national game.
Shehla Raza directed serious accusations toward the outgoing President, Tariq Bugti, and Secretary Rana Mujahid, alleging that they have “broken all records of irregularities.” A particularly startling claim involved the recent Australia tour, where she alleged that hotel bookings were deliberately cancelled to create administrative chaos, a pattern she claims was previously seen during a tour of Oman.
The former VP also questioned the federation’s technical appointments, highlighting the recruitment of a bank employee and a social media influencer (TikToker) as the team’s Video Analyst, suggesting a total disregard for professional merit.
The allegations extended to legendary player Shahbaz Senior, who accompanied the team to Australia as an observer. Shehla linked him to the Sindh Bank scandal, claiming the existence of secret accounts currently under investigation by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Shehla did not limit her critique to hockey alone, describing a “mafia” that has long held control over Pakistan’s sports federations. She specifically questioned the tenure of Khalid Mahmood, Secretary of Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), citing the lack of leadership turnover as a barrier to progress.
Highlighting the plight of the athletes, Shehla Raza noted that whenever players attempt to speak up against mistreatment or lack of facilities, the federation resorts to punitive measures, such as placing bans on the team captain.
“When players raise their voices, they are silenced,” she remarked. She urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take decisive action against those involved in corruption and to dismantle the entrenched interest groups that have hindered Pakistan hockey’s return to its former glory.
